zero conditions

table of contents    | read first 25 pages |
theory zero
digital zeros — y2k
zero future — the millennium dome
zero time — the millennium clocks
ground zeros — fight club, new york, new orleans
zeropolis — las vegas
zero universe — naqoyqatsi and the matrix
zero curvature — string theory and the flat screen cosmos
coke zero — soft drink simulacrum
"count zero interrupt"
carbon zero tomorrow — global warming
utopia 2000 in paris and new york
circles and zeros
ends and beginnings
nothingness and existence
nothingness and tomorrow
trajectories toward past and future
chaos theory and the zero condition
ground zero for theory


about the author
Barry Vacker teaches courses on media, culture, and utopian theory at Temple University in Philadelphia. Most recently, Vacker wrote the text for Peter Granser's photography book Signs, published by Hatje Cantz (Stuttgart 2008); he also wrote and directed the experimental documentary Space Times Square (2007). A professor for twelve years, he received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.

 
 

"This is a bold and original series that offers startling insights into the ground zeros for global culture, the strange conditions facing theory and utopia for the postmillennial world."
— Carine Krecké, Université de Provence (France) and Elisabeth Krecké, Université Paul Cézanne (France)

"Deploying a mix of existential and utopian philosophy to decode many strange cultural parallels, the Theory Zero series offers a visually striking critique that will inspire artists and infuriate intellectuals from across the spectrum."
— Chris Matthew Sciabarra, New York University

"By mixing Sartre and Baudrillard with everyday art and architecture, Barry Vacker creates a canvas for illuminating the 'zero' conditions for theory, the vanishing points for the conventional ways of seeing postmillennial culture."
— Jarice Hanson, The University of Massachusetts - Amherst